Stanford, July 18 (IPS) – Veronica Vega’s husband is the first in his family to immigrate to Oakland, California. When 27 years ago Vega decided to date him, she was five months pregnant and walked across the Mexican border to the United States.
“It was a terrible experience. It was sad to have to leave my country, town and family behind. Everything was different – the country, the language, the community. That’s why I looked around. to find somewhere I can belong.” Vega reflects.
She discovered Safe Roads, an organization that supports youth and families by providing community development and enhancement services through various programs. Vega no longer feels lonely.
Now, Vega is the Director of Community Development at Safe Passages, and she helps other immigrants get the help they need to successfully integrate into American society.
Vega tells a success story. She helped a family from Tijuana, Mexico, gain their acceptance into the popular Deferred Action for Young Children (DACA) program. DACA is an immigration policy that provides immigrants who came to the United States as children with a work permit and two-year term to reside in the country without deportation. After two years, immigrants need to apply to renew DACA. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows an extension depending on request.
The mother-of-two ran away from Mexico to California because she faced domestic violence from her husband. She and her children contacted Safe Passages, where they met Vega.
Safe Passages serves approximately 5,000 families annually. One of their programs focuses on helping children who may be deported due to their refugee status. Vega connected the family with one of their partners, the East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC).
A private attorney through the EBCLC helped them obtain permanent residency and the service they received was free.
“When I heard they were considered permanent residents of the United States, I was overjoyed. They never realized they would get anything, and I was so happy,” Vega said.
Vega helps families who fear deportation. She supports about 1,500 families each year with immigration resources.
She wants to partner with more nonprofits to help immigrant families.
“I was accepted into this country and I love working in the community. I love helping people regardless of race, age and status,” explains Vega.
Alicia Perez, CEO of Safe Passages, described how the different programs at Safe Pass link together.
Safe Passages aims to assist families with children who are heavily focused on school-based programs. They have tutoring and after-school programs, family resources, and health centers. Safe Routes makes information accessible by ensuring documents are written in the native language of migrants – informing them of their citizenship rights.
The organization provides immigrant families with Red Cards created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The Red Card informs families of their rights under the United States Constitution, whether they are immigrants or not. Safe Passages requires families to bring their Red Card in case they are stopped by law enforcement or the police.
“We believe all children should have access to education, health care and support. In doing so, they are more likely to live fulfilling and successful lives, regardless of race, status, or status. economic status, ethnicity or gender,” Perez said.
Refugee Processing Center Refugee reception report publish data on the number of incoming refugees. California had the highest number of refugees from October 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022, with 1,128 people arriving in the state.
Florencia Reyes Donohue, senior attorney at Kids in Need of Defense’s (KIND) San Francisco office, helps prepare and submit forms for unaccompanied child clients seeking protection in the United States. Ky.
KIND’s mission is to ensure that no child goes to immigration court without high-quality legal representation and that unaccompanied children have access to the protection they need and deserve. The organization works with professional attorneys from more than 700 law firms and corporations to represent clients free of charge.
KIND worked with 29,000 children between 2009 and 2021. In addition to legal services, they provide comprehensive care through their social services program. KIND ensures that children have an easier time adjusting to a country they are unfamiliar with by addressing their vulnerabilities. KIND provides referral counseling, social-emotional support, health insurance assistance, school enrollment and employment placement, among other services.
Reyes Donohue said she admires the bravery of the children she has worked with. “They made this journey alone; they were incredibly resilient.”
Dads attend their kids’ soccer team practices and Safe Passages parenting seminars. Safe Passages offers immigration information, parenting workshops, and referrals during this hands-on. Credits: Safe Roads
Report of the United Nations Office IPS
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